Penny Investment?
April 2nd, 2018
Invited to One Buc Palace.
You know the Bucs need a running back; Joe knows the Bucs need a running back.
And let’s hope Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht knows the Bucs need a running back no later than the second round.
In the past 10 years the Bucs have been woeful at choosing running backs in the draft. Only one back they have drafted (Doug Martin) has run for 1,000 yards in a season and he was a first round pick. Every running back other than Martin drafted by the Bucs in the past decade has been trash, so Joe hopes this nonsense that they can find a running back later in the draft is dismissed as the urban legend it is.
Now per WalterFootball.com, the Bucs have invited San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny as one of their 30 private invites to One Buc Palace this month.
In 2016 and in 2017, Penny, regarded as a second- or third-round pick, has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Aztecs, and last season he ran for 2,248 yards and a sick 23 touchdowns. He ran a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
Joe isn’t sure if the Bucs will nab him or not, of course, but Joe does understand Penny is a favorite of many Bucs fans.
You can watch his highlights below.
April 2nd, 2018 at 5:24 am
I love Rashaad Penny, but there might be better RBs than him available when the Bucs are on the clock in the 2nd round.
And another statistic about Penny, last year he tied the all time NCAA Kickoff return TD record with 7 in his career.
April 2nd, 2018 at 5:38 am
Yes – Please!
Penny represents the best “value” at RB in this draft if he lasts until late Rd 2 as I suspect will be the case.
Bucs may potentially have the ability to trade down in rd 2, recoup an extra pick and still wind up with Penny. That’s pretty risky though if Penny is indeed the target because the assumption is that Guice and Sony will be off the board before the Bucs pick in Rd 2.
April 2nd, 2018 at 5:47 am
I read somewhere that his legs go dead on contact. If true, that’s not the kind of back I’m looking for. I watched HLs of Guice though? Wow. He and Michel really look legit. And they played big boy football (ACC, SEC, B1G)
April 2nd, 2018 at 5:51 am
Walter Football’s draft profile also indicates that he has learning and wort
K ethic questions which causes him to play slower at times. Kind of makes you wonder if it took 4 years for him to feel comfortable enough to play well and that’s why he didn’t do much until the last year he was there.
April 2nd, 2018 at 5:51 am
Work*
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:12 am
It’s heartening to see you write that (hopefully) the Bucs know that they “need a running back no later than the second round” Joe. Couldn’t agree more. Would rather not use our 1st Rnd pick on a RB though (Barkley would be the only exception IMO but can’t see him falling to #7). More than likely our 2nd Rnd pick will be a RB, so the real questions will be who’s still available when we pick & who best fits our RB needs. Penny is certainly a contender there, although I prefer Michel, Guice, Chubb or Jones if they’re available (hit on Penny that he ‘has learning issues’ scares me after our experience with McFluff last year). Would also love to see us use a 5th-7th Rnd pick on Bo Scarborough if he’s there … the way he runs reminds me so much of Mike Alstott.
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:13 am
No thanks. From the “HIGHLIGHTS” doesn’t really have that true NFL breakaway speed and except for one highlight, I didn’t see him breaking ANY tackles.
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:33 am
@NJBucsfan – part of the reason Penny didn’t get on the field was because he was sitting behind Donnel Pumphrey who is the all time NCAA rushing leader. Pumphrey was already the starter and was breaking school records when Penny was a freshman so barring an injury he wasn’t going to see the field much. This is a good thing for Penny’s career though if he can perform at the same level in the NFL as he has less wear and tear on him.
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:37 am
Joe says “Every running back other than Martin drafted by the Bucs in the past decade has been trash”
This just isn’t a running back problem. Ex: DE, CB
Are we keeping the same stupid, dumb scouts every time we change regimes?
Can we not hire competent talent evaluators?
Why do these loser scouts keep getting a pass?
As a matter of fact, I don’t even know who they are.
Joe, who in the heck are our scouts?
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:42 am
Yes but Pumphry also struggles with the play book and transition to the NFL. We need to be weary of college stats as SDSU has put up some big stats but 0 NFL talent RBs. See Ronnie Hillman
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:52 am
And I’m speaking recently…I know Faulk cake from SDSU but that was over 20 years ago
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:52 am
Came*
April 2nd, 2018 at 6:58 am
I agree that there should be better RBs available earlier in round 2…..if we trade down in 1 or 2….then he may be a value pick later…..I like Sony.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:06 am
I hope we get Nick Chubb in the second round.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:19 am
I’d rather have Guice or Michel. If he’s still on the board after the 3rd round it might be worth a shot
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:31 am
Somewhere, Cadillac Williams is flabbergasted.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:32 am
@ NJbucsfan – oh I agree, my one biggest concern is if Penny’s success translates to the MFL, it’s a concern for every draft pick but more so when the players faced a lower level of talent while in colllege
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:32 am
NFL
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:33 am
Nvm, in the last decade keeps Cadillac, Dunn, Alstott safely out of the doom and gloom.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:34 am
I just hope we get any RB at all in the 2nd if we don’t miraculously get Barkley in the 1st.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:37 am
With all of the hand wringing about this staff never developing a cb (even tho they have at other stops), why no concern that Koetter could develop a running back? To me, especially after last season’s selection of who got playing time, how the Bucs never truly evaluated McNichols except for his blocking ability, this is a huge concern. Double this with Koetter’s history of lacking trust in rookie backs and there is little reason to believe the staff is capable to draft and develop a rookie, so they’d better draft a very solid prospect. If Barkley is at 7,draft him. If he is gone, draft bpa (among Nelson, Chubb or James or auction the pick) look at the cost to jump back into the mid to late first and pick no less than the third prospect. If Licht can trade up to get a kicker then a back into the first is not a reach.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:40 am
I see penny as being in the 3rd tier of RBs. Barkley is obviously the only one in tier one. Guice/Chubb/Michel tier two. If we cannot trade back and take Ward in the 1st I would prefer someone from that second tier with fewer questions. This might be the only way I would use our 4th rounder to move up back into the 1st if an early RB run leaves only one left. Our draft would be effectively over on the first night but our team would be better. I really don’t see that happening and we should be able to stand pat and take one of those three at 2-6. That would give us the ability to package some 6s and 7 to move back into the 3rd to grab a falling talent at safety or guard.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:51 am
I love Penny. I saw one run of his where a DLman or LBer grabbed him buy the back of his jersey and Penny drug him at least 5 yards before the defender couldn’t hold on anymore! That was pretty funny. He’s dynamic as a returner too, if they decide to put him back there. I’d be ok with any of the top 6 or 7 RBs, though.
April 2nd, 2018 at 7:58 am
Read somewhere that he can’t pass block.. haven’t watched him but if that’s true then we need someone else
April 2nd, 2018 at 8:17 am
I want the Bucs to be safe and draft a RB early, but it isn’t a “nonsense” that they can find one late in the draft–it’s been proven by past history. Now, you could say that the BUCS can’t find a RB late in the draft because they suck at evaluating late round RBs, but there’s definitely RBs to be had in the 4th.
April 2nd, 2018 at 8:20 am
I’m all for Sony Michel or Nick Chubb.
April 2nd, 2018 at 8:20 am
Guice is horrible at pass blocking too.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:14 am
I think the Bucs plan to take a RB in the 4th round, and they are digging to try to find the best option there.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:16 am
For what its worth, I’m not sure Rashaad Penny is smart enough to pick up the playbook fast enough.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:18 am
Joe,
Hearing alot chatter C.J. Anderson is on the move, with Denver looking to acquire defensive line (Or Cornerback) depth.
Possible Trade:
DE/DT – William Gholston (Age:26) Cap: $6,500,000
+ 2019 Conditional Pick 4th Round Pick
for
C.J. Anderson (DEN) Cap $: $4,500,000
Cap Saved: $2,000,000 ←
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:19 am
Get him!!! He’s quick and has size. Not a big Barber fan. We need to find a second RB after the draft to push Barber for playing time. Barber is average at best; very mediocre. Penny is a millions times better. We need a back whose is quick and stout as a our backup.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:31 am
Penny in Pewter!!! Don’t screw this up. We will have ourselves a Ladainian Tomlinson. A 150 yard rushing threat every game. Capable a ripping off 40 and 50 yard runs.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:35 am
Really like Ron Jones just wish he was 20 pounds heavier. Guice, Barkley, Michel and Penny will all be good pro’s. Thinking we could be drafting 2 rb’s
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:37 am
DIMITRI FLOWERS
Dimitri Flowers. 4th round steal.
Mike Alsott-like power runner and catcher…can also block. Exactly what Koetter wants.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:45 am
What we need in a RB is power. Speed is a good thing, but not a must. Breakaway speed matters little if you can’t get to daylight to start with.
Who do you think would help this team more right now? Warrick Dunn or Mike Alstott?
Alstott would. Why? Because he would get more first downs and he would score more points.
Dunn was good for an occasional big run. Mike Alstott was the most reliable back we had for a good long time. Opposing defenses feared him because he hit them so hard they were knocked out of his path.
We need a RB who can save a drive when we need him to…not a dancer with a little speed if he just happens to see an opening. We’ve been going after speed for a while now, and it has gotten us nowhere.
Dimitri Flowers is such a player…and he can catch and block too.
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:57 am
Penny ran for a 175 against a stout Stanford defense this year, and had over a 1000 yards as a backup last year that being said, he’s my 4th favorite back this year, Barkley Guice Chubb and Michel, doubt he makes it to our 4th, but drafting Derwin firsr, then top CB available 2nd round I think would make our team better in the long term than drafting an RB 1 or 2
April 2nd, 2018 at 9:58 am
I love watching these highlight films, watched at least 15 so far on what appears to be a very good RB Class. Penny is good and slotted just about where the Bu’c have a chance to get him. The only problem is when you compare him to Barkley (Penn ST), Michele and Grubb (GA), Guice (LSU), Ronald Jones (USC), Kerryon Johnson (Auburn), you begin to notice a slight shift in the level of competition (not saying SD state not Competitive) after all Kareem Hunt went to Toledo but fournette (LSU) McCaffrey (Stanford), Dalvin Cook (FSU), Kamara (Tenn.) McNichols (Boise St (oh sh*t sorry about that)) and my personal Favorite from 2 yrs ago Zeke Elliott from THE OHIO STATE UNIV. All I’m trying to say is to a certain extent the level of completion in NCAA often times indicates the players success in the NFL.
April 2nd, 2018 at 10:04 am
Quinton Flowers from USF. He’s switching to RB. Hell, I’d use him as a Slot receiver and a RB. He would easily take Adam Humphries slot spot. He’s going to be a steal for somebody.
April 2nd, 2018 at 10:15 am
Penny has God given talent. You all will see that once he makes it into the NFL. Let’s hope he’s on our side. LT in training. Go Bucs.
April 2nd, 2018 at 10:51 am
Guice has the juice!
or Michel or Chubb.
Or the RB from Auburn.
I want to fill our roster with bad ol boys! Meaning from the SOUTH!!
Not no racist, weak a$$ frat boys from th south.
I’m talking warriors and survivors, bad ol’ boyz like Jameis and Kwon.
I want a roster full of players from the dirty south.
They play FAST and HARD.
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:00 am
Penny can play but we may get Saquon at #7, or if we trade down with the Bills, Guice at #22, or if we stand pat in the 2nd round, Nick Chubb at #38.
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:02 am
This kid is a gamer and I’d be really fired up if we got him, but I don’t see the Bucs taking a running back with questionable pass blocking skills.
It’s a shame because every time he touches the ball he is a threat to take it to the house. I see him as this years Kareem Hunt.
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:15 am
Penny is a very good back that will be very good in the NFL. Look for bucs to take a running back in the 2nd or 3rd round.they won’t make a mistake like last year and let talented backs go by.kamara still makes me upset,he would have looked great behind jaboo!
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:29 am
@Tnew….I understand why we picked McNichols where we did. I’m not sure anyone really knew he was a stupid as he is honestly, never heard any kind of chatter like that. He was that feel good story and was following the likes of Martin (who was a hopeful return most agreed) and Ajayi from Boise. Koetters decision making is what’s been suspect this past year and probably overlooked the year b4 due to the late surge we had. I think he was scouted the right way and graded the right way but was sold by his coaches and peers to a fault, no one would admit he is a slow learner to NFL hopefuls and that’s just an intangible that will continue imo. I have to try and believe by now Koetter has evaluated himself and knows better about who to play and who to sit after the last 2 years. I also hope he understands he can’t be this “we’re going to run this play because the percentages suggest we should” type coach any longer. If he does I’ll be on the market for a new t.v. this season.
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:33 am
So if J0e says Koetter is allergic to rookie running backs, why would we want to spend a premium pick on a RB who won’t see the field?
End of the 2nd round / 3rd round is where we should find a sweet spot for a running back IMO.
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:54 am
This kid is going to be a stud
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:55 am
@Bonzai- The only thing about Flowers is that he was not a full-time runner like Alstott at Purdue. They used him sparingly at Oklahoma as a runner.
We’re of the same mindset though. Trade for Samaje Perine. Problem solved.
Who is the Samaje in this draft?
LUV, we need some of your expertise.
April 2nd, 2018 at 12:17 pm
guice….Michel….scarbrough…..k.johnson….
would love to get guice in round 2 and scarbrough in round 5
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
April 2nd, 2018 at 12:42 pm
I’d prefer Guice, Michel, Chubb, Jones in that order.
April 2nd, 2018 at 1:28 pm
Penny is Ok. I just see about 5 running backs who are ahead of him in this yrs draft. We need to get one of them.
April 2nd, 2018 at 2:44 pm
I’m not saying Penny is the greatest. But they invited him in. I’m just saying I’m on board with it. Now my sister’s, auntie, brother’s cousin said that Jason Licht really likes this guy.
April 2nd, 2018 at 2:57 pm
In the highlights I have watched, nobody catches Penny in the open field. Big time game speed for a big back and backed up by his 40 time at the combine. I am a big Penny fan.
April 2nd, 2018 at 3:08 pm
BONZAI…… PLEASE DONT COMPARE FLOWERS TO ALSTOTT!!!!!! HE CAN CATCH…… BUT THE RUNNING POWER OF ALSTOTT? I FIND THAT COMMENT JUST DUMB….. THE ONLY HIGHLIGHTS OF FLOWERS IS HIM CATCHING, NOT RUNNING…..
April 2nd, 2018 at 3:31 pm
People need to look at all game film and not just the highlights! Penny looks like he can be a useful RB and a stud on special teams as a returner. Like said by previous posters this kid can not pass block.
April 2nd, 2018 at 3:32 pm
I like Mark Walton in the 4th if the doctors see him fully recovered from his ankle injury. The injury clearly still slowed him on his 40 time. He was in track to be right up there in the second tier of RBs and has great hands. He can easily had in the 4th round. This is assuming we focused on our secondary with the first two picks. Maybe we could pick up Flowers in the 5th or later to add a real one-two punch out of the backfield.
April 2nd, 2018 at 3:35 pm
” The Guice is loose” has a nice ring to it!
April 2nd, 2018 at 4:29 pm
I’m good with any of the top 5 backs in this draft class.
Rashaad Penny might be my new favorite.
I love how he takes everything to the House. He’s a closer, albeit against lesser competition most of the time, but still…
Penny, Guice, Nick Chubb, are the most balanced RB’s other than Saquon who can all still take it to the house on any given play…
Sony is a good back, but not a finisher… So, I’d prefer those other 4 ahead of him
April 2nd, 2018 at 11:40 pm
Penny had great games against Stanford, Penn State, Arizona, Army, and every other team he played against. Don’t grade him down because of the Mountain West, he flat out performed and domintated against Big 10, Pac 12. and whoever. He will be the steal of the draft in the 2nd round.